Kismet

The Fourth of July always brings an energy to Kismet that is unlike any other. Many have packed their bags and are here for the long four-day weekend. There was so much to celebrate, with great events that united the community.

On Friday, June 30, we were greeted off the ferry by the Kismet Flower Ladies. With matching attire, these gorgeous women were selling $20 bouquets outside the Kismet Inn. The funds raised were to be donated to St. Jude’s in memory of Joyce Cole. A big thank you to Island Beach Realty who donated the flowers for this great cause. Many of these beautiful bouquets were red, white and blue themed – a perfect patriotic addition for your beach house.

Simultaneously, just steps away, Surf’s Out debuted a new singing duo. The Blair Spiff Project is a two-piece original acoustic band from Long Island. Singers Matt Smith and Danny Casey were all smiles as they played for passersby and happy hour patrons alike. If you missed out, don’t worry because they will be playing several more Friday Happy Hours this summer.

Saturday brought clouds but the beach was still filled with those who rented houses for the holiday weekend. Sunday morning had a completely different vibe. With the sun shining, many were gearing up for the 52nd Annual Kismet Fire Department Fourth of July Parade. This is a tradition that brings volunteer fire departments from both Bay Shore and Islip to march on our streets in patriotic spirit. After the parade, Sam Wood welcomed the crowd and dedicated the day in memory of Joyce Cole. Saoirse Ryan led us in

the national anthem, and Kismet’s very own Grady O’Halleran raised the flag. Many gathered at the Fire House for a barbecue afterwards, where awards were given out to float participants.

Parade Winners Include:

• Best in Parade: Bottles for the Brave

• Most Historical: Old Man in the Sea

• Topical: Star Wars 4th Anniversary

• Most Patriotic: Baby Liberty

• Most Creative: Find Kismet

The 3rd Annual Pirate Festival to benefit Southside Hospital will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 1, in Kismet. Fun for the whole family includes a pirate and mermaid parade, as well as the popular boat decorating contest. Pirate fun for little land lubbers (ages 3-11) includes a treasure hunt, pirate school, yoga and tennis. Seasoned pirates will enjoy rum and spirit tasting, wine and cheese tasting, and much more! This is an event that truly brings our whole island together, with many local businesses and residents participating in some capacity to contribute to the success of the day. If you haven’t been to this event, make sure you save the date!

Silent Disco has arrived to Kismet. If you have never been to a silent disco party, you are surely missing out. Instead of music streaming through the speakers, music is played for your party guests through personal headphones worn by those who want to be a part of the good times. Follow the new Facebook page, brought to you by our very own DJ BK (Brian Kelley) to learn more.

I also had an opportunity to speak with longtime Kismet legend Jay Smith this week. He has been coming to the island every summer since 1963. He owned the house, A Mere Bag of Shells, from 2000-2009 on East Lighthouse. He and his wife, Linda, have been renting for the last eight years since they sold their home. Jay feels it has become harder and harder to rent for the whole season as many homeowners are choosing the more profitable weekly renters. The happy couple rents on their own but welcomes guests throughout the summer. They will be enjoying their 54th summer at the Pelican Roost this year. Welcome back!

A big thank you to the Wood family who hosted the 15 Minutes of Fame event on Friday, June 23.

The red carpet was rolled out and all were dressed to impress as they waited for the film to roll and awards to be given out. Some honorable mentions include Erin Wahlberg receiving the Shortest Appearance Award; Jim Ryan, the Lifetime Achievement in Kismet Cinema; and Barry Rosenblum, Best Actor.

Red carpet at 15 Minutes of Fame event (Photo by Amy Wood)

The Maggie Fischer Memorial Great South Bay Cross Bay Swim will be held on Friday, July 14 this year. If you are not familiar with this event, over 100 swimmers make the 5.25-mile venture across the Great South Bay. The event begins bayside at Fire Island Lighthouse, and will draw a crowd to cheer on these swimmers at the starting line. This event is in honor of Maggie Fischer, who passed away in 1999 after a tragic car accident just days before the big swim race. The race’s finishing point will be at Gilbert Park in Brightwaters. All of the day’s proceeds will go to a scholarship fund in Maggie’s name as well as the Hospice Care Network Children’s and Family Bereavement Program.

SAVE THE DATE:

• Tuesday, July 11: Tim Mooney Band, Kismet Inn at 7:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, July 12: Paul Johnson Quartet, Kismet Inn at 7:30 p.m.

• Saturday, July 15: Don, Russ & Willy ALL DAY MARATHON at Kismet Inn

• Saturday, July 15: Vavoom Band, Surf’s Out at 6 p.m.

• Saturday, July 15: Christmas in July Party at Surf’s Out

• Friday, July 21: Italian Night at Surf’s Out

Summer 2017 is off to an amazing start but I still want to hear from you. Don’t forget to send me an email or wave me down on East Lighthouse to give a great piece of Kismet news. Until next time.